Is it the flood, or is it the ark? The idea of an un-baptized believer was anathema to the New Testament writers. Besides the normal ritual baptism of water and invocation of the Holy Trinity, the Church has also accepted two other forms of baptism a baptism of blood and a baptism of desire. Oneness Pentecostal theology states that baptism is necessary for salvation. Also, unbelievers don’t praise God. No. Rom. One last thought: If someone maintains that baptism is necessary for salvation, is he adding a work, his own, to the finished work of Christ? A better translation is found in the NASB which says, “and corresponding to that, baptism now saves you.” The keyword in this section is the Greek antitupon. Jesus says to Nicodemus in John 3:5, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Most arguments claiming that baptism is necessary is found from Acts 2:38, “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Some believe that the water refers to the Word of God, the Bible; and others claim it means the Holy Spirit. For example, the communion elements of bread and wine are called the sacrament of communion. Let’s suppose that a person, under the conviction of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8), believed in Jesus as his savior (Rom. A covenant is a pact or agreement between two or more parties, and that is exactly what the Abrahamic covenant was. 46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God…”. But, because this subject can become quite lengthy, in fact, sufficient for a book in itself, I’ll only address a few verses and then only briefly. The Lutheran Confessions teach that baptism is necessary for salvation. The Covenant of Grace is the covenant between God and Man where God promises to Man eternal life. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) Nicodemus responds with a statement about how he can’t enter again into his mother’s womb to be born. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.‘”. Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" In this verse we see that the apostles were told to go and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is important to get some clarity here. 2:14). If that is so, then baptism isn’t necessary for salvation because the baptism of repentance is no longer practiced. Do you believe that Jesus died and was raised from the dead? Please consider the following verses: There are other verses, but these are sufficient to show that we are made right in God’s eyes–justified, forgiven–by faith, not by faith and baptism. This is significant because tongues is a gift given to believers (see 1 Cor. In Mark's account Jesus said, ", Why did Peter COMMAND the people to be baptized in Acts 2:38? If this verse did mean baptism, then the only kind that it could have been at that point was the baptism of repentance administered by John the Baptist (Mark 1:4). 4:3, “For what saith the scripture? I don't beat about the bush about it at all. They can’t because praise to the true God is a deeply spiritual matter that is foreign to the unsaved (1 Cor. If the answer is yes, then that person would be at a terrible risk of not being saved. Baptism is an important step of obedience that every Christian should take. 21And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you” (NASB). Baptism is the manifestation of the repentance, that gift from God, that is the sign of the circumcised heart. Paul likens it to Christ's burial in Rom. If you understand that baptism is a covenant sign, then you can see that it is a representation of the reality of Christ circumcising our hearts (Rom. 5:9; Eph. The gift of the Holy Spirit was on the Gentiles, and they were speaking in tongues. Saying that baptism is necessary for salvation is dangerous because it is saying that there is something we must do to complete salvation. God said to Abraham, “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you” (Gen. 17:7, NIV). If baptism is a necessary component for salvation then we are saying that Christ's work on the cross is not enough. Additionally, in Acts, Peter was preaching the gospel, people got saved, and then they were baptized. It is the initiatory sign and seal into the covenant of grace. What does baptism correspond to? Peter, when referring to the floodwaters, refers to them as the means of destruction of the ungodly (2 Pet. Nevertheless, disagreeing with them does not make it so and particularly when we have verses like the following: The problem with baptismal regeneration (the belief that baptism is part of salvation and necessary for it) is that it contradicts other scriptures that state we are justified by faith. Dear reader, if you happen to be in that number, I urge you to take your bible in hand and study along with me as we discuss this vital topic. There it is granted on the basis of faith alone. Obviously, we did not die–unless, of course, it is a figurative usage. That means they were closely identified with him and his purpose. In the middle of the road, he gets hit by a car and is killed. (Exo. The Oneness theologians are in error. Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”, Rom. Jesus’ teaching on baptism Perhaps the most convincing refutation of the view that baptism is necessary for salvation are those who were saved apart from baptism. Many people believe that water baptism is not essential to a person’s salvation. 6:23) received by faith (Eph. The Bible says baptism is necessary to salvation just as clearly as it does the other conditions. It is because baptism isn’t necessary for salvation. Here’s my bottom-line answer to the question: faith precedes baptism. Then Jesus says that he must be born of water and the Spirit. . Is Amos 8:11-12 a prediction of the Great Apostasy? Ministry of John the Baptist Fourth, Peter's statement in Acts 2:38 can be interpreted in the light of the ministry of John the Baptist. A number of groups teach that baptism is necessary for salvation. "Is baptism necessary for salvation? It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”. In other words, “Baptism is the time and place that God forgives and saves.” [1] Thus, when it comes to salvation, baptism is not the what but the when. Baptism: Necessary for Salvation . This concludes the commentary on texts purported to support the doctrine that baptism in water is necessary for salvation. 10:2 ), and being united in one church (1 Cor. 3:21, “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also–not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. "Is baptism necessary for salvation? That is wrong! It is an identification with, a joining to, a proclamation of loyalty to, etc. Some Christians use Jesus’ comments in the Gospel of John as a proof text, teaching that water baptism is necessary for salvation as a Christian. being given immortality at Christ’s return 1 Corinthians 15:42-50), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Another way of making this clear is to use an illustration. “They represent the same spiritual blessings that were symbolized by circumcision and Passover in the old dispensation.”2Berkhoff, Lewis, Berkhoff’s Systematic Theology, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988, p. 620. Other Scriptures confirm this: 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”, Gal. Submission to water baptism is a requirement for obedience after salvation (Matt. See Gal. The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation. 4:5; 9:30; John 5:24; Gal. ", Men do not decide when or how God does what He does. 6:4, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Because the believer is so closely united to Christ, it is said that the symbol of baptism is our death, burial, and resurrection. Of course, he is. Salvation comes, as we’ve already read, by undergoing true baptism, being taught the true gospel, believe the true gospel, undergo the true baptism into the body of Christ, the Church Of Christ. In other words, only Christians are justified; only Christians are saved. The power is in Jesus' blood, but that power is applied to the individual when he meets the conditions. Christ also says, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." “Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. Baptism is not necessary for … We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. Baptism is not necessary for salvation. The same thing is meant here. However, some have concluded from this fact that there is nothing that man can or must do for his salvation. What is going on here is simply that repentance and forgiveness of sins are connected. No, baptism doesn't save, doesn't help save, and I'll go even further to say that it doesn't have anything in this world to do with the saving of a soul" - … It is difficult to answer the question of which Protestant denomination is the right one without first laying out a... by Luke Wayne | Feb 20, 2020 | Mormonism, World Religions. 20-21), via Handbook of Religious Quotations, p. 10. The gospel is defined as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for our sins. The meaning of baptism. One of the Mormon religion's central doctrines is their teaching that the New Testament church fell into absolute,... by Matt Slick | Feb 23, 2020 | Roman Catholicism, World Religions. "Is baptism necessary for salvation? Gal. I don't beat about the bush about it at all. 28:18-20), but it is not a prerequisite to spiritual regeneration. To say what God did is not enough, not complete, is against everything taught in Scripture. Several church groups believe in baptismal regeneration; teaching that both repentant faith and water baptism are essential prerequisites to personal salvation. ” (1 Cor. Does he go to heaven or hell? Justification is God’s declaration upon a sinner that the person is declared righteous in God’s sight. 3:27, “for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” This is speaking of the believer’s union with Christ. Baptism of the penitent believer is for the remission of sins. Why water baptism is not necessary for salvation? “No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit” (Jn 3:5). Do not be one of those people. But we know from other scriptures that it isn’t–lest there be a contradiction. 4:24-25). Jesus said in verse three that Nicodemus needed to be born “again.” This meant that he had been born once–through his mother. As circumcision referred to the cutting away of sin and to a change of heart (Deut. 3:9. Many people are adamant that a person should not have to do anything to be saved (see article on Faith Only).At the same time there are people who are adamant that obedience combined with faith is necessary for salvation and that if we do not obey Him He will not save us. We should be careful not to fall prey to the old argument, "Well, no one of them proves it, but if you look at them all together, if you take them in combination, they give such strong evidence of the fact that you really cannot deny it." In other words, the phrase “each of you get baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” is parenthetical since it is in the singular, and “repent” is in the plural as is “your” of “your sins.”  Therefore, “repent” must go with the purpose of forgiveness of sins. To one who has received Christ, baptism is a necessary and meaningful experience. Baptism is necessary for salvation. The thief. Answer: The belief that baptism is necessary for salvation is also known as " baptismal regeneration." That is why baptism is essential to salvation. Baptism is not mentioned here. 10:2 the Israelites were baptized into Moses. The moment when you receive God’s saving grace is the moment you emerge from the watery tomb of baptism. Christ’s work is sufficient in itself; it is complete and finished, and there is nothing we could add to it. And baptism is important for all kinds of reasons, but it’s not causative in the same way that repentance is. Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Christ. The Catechism, however, adds a caution: "God has bound salvation to the Sacrament of Baptism, but He Himself is not bound by His sacraments" (No.1257). When we take communion, we are partaking of the sacrament. If he goes to heaven, then baptism isn’t necessary for salvation. What hinders you from being baptized? It is an outward representation of an inward reality. The word “baptizo” means to immerse. Water, therefore, could easily be interpreted there to mean the natural birth process. The Catholic Church teaches that baptism is “necessary for salvation” (CCC 1257). In the Greek, “repent” is in the plural and so is “your” of “your sins.” They are meant to be understood as being related to each other. It means “copy,” “type,” corresponding to,” “a thing resembling another,” “its counterpart,” etc. 2:29; Col. 2:11-12). 12:13). In fact, that is not what Paul says that the gospel is; and it is the gospel that saves us. 3:27), the cleansing of that person’s sins (Acts 22:16), the identification with the one “baptized into” as when the Israelites were baptized into Moses (1 Cor. Also, consider this from The Bible Knowledge Commentary: “The preposition used here is eis which, with the accusative case, may mean “on account of, on the basis of.” It is used in this way in Matt. One... “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.’. That is why I take an Acts 10:47 view of water baptism. This verse is a tough one. The problem with baptismal regeneration (the belief that baptism is part of salvation and necessary for it) is that it contradicts other scriptures that state we are justified by faith. by Luke Wayne | Mar 2, 2020 | Mormonism, World Religions. It is not the symbol that saves but the reality. For us humans, works are an output rather than an input. It symbolized the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and it shows the death of the old sinner in the one being baptized. AddThis. The Roman Church would take it a stage further and say it was essential for acceptance into a heavenly afterlife. Because God said that that is the point at which He will grant us our forgiveness and make us free from sin in Christ Jesus. If it were, Paul the apostle never would have said, “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17a). Is that person saved? Most churches and church members would say baptism is important, but not essential. We strongly believe that each and every Christian should be water baptized by immersion. But at the same time, we must understand that circumcision did not guarantee salvation to all who received it. Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”, Acts 22:16, “And now why tarriest thou? The necessity of baptism is an issue that has been debated for centuries. Some Protestants like to use 1 Corinthians 1:17 to claim that this teaching contradicts the Bible. Was it the water or the ark? Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament [Mark 16:16]” (CCC 1257). Which of all the Protestants denominations is the correct church? But still, what about those verses that seem to say that baptism is part of salvation? I come out with a plain, definite, NO! This simply isn’t an exception. 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”. Salvation comes, as we’ve already read, by undergoing true baptism, being taught the true gospel, believe the true gospel, undergo the true baptism into the body of Christ, the Church Of Christ. No, baptism doesn't save, doesn't help save, and I'll go even further to say that it doesn't have anything in this world to do with the saving of a soul" - Good News, 3/2/72 (a Baptist paper) Baptism is NOT a requisite for salvation, there are many bible verses used to make this assertion as proof text, which are principally as follows.. Mark 16:16 - “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” John 3:3-7 - “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto… The Christian belief that baptism is necessary for salvation is so unshakable that even the Protestant Martin Luther affirmed the necessity of baptism. Then in verse 6, He says that “flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” The context seems to be discussing the contrast between the natural and the spiritual birth. That is why it says, repent and get baptized. Yes, “works” are indeed necessary for salvation— Christ’s work (Romans 5:19)! Consider these verses: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit (e.g. That is His prerogative as Lord, God, and Creator of the universe. Baptism is not necessary for salvation. Though it is possible for this construction to mean “on the basis of,” this is not its normal meaning; eis with the accusative case usually describes purpose or direction.”1Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Wheaton, IL: Scripture Press Publications, 1985, 1 Pet. It was a rite meant only for the people of God, who were born into the family of God (who were then the Jews). She knew the importance of the covenant between God and her children. by Matt Slick | Dec 8, 2008 | Oneness Pentecostal, World Religions. It is our contention that baptism is an important step of obedience for a Christian, but we adamantly reject baptism as being required for salvation. . Noah entered the ark by faith. Paul valued baptism, dearly, but preaching the gospel was his core concern because he knew that receiving the gospel by faith was the necessary ingredient for salvation. Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation Debate. It symbolized the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and it shows the death of the old sinner in the one being baptized. Objection It is virtually undisputed truth that man is saved by divine grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). Also, this concept fits with Peter’s statement in Acts 10:43 where the same phrase “sins may be forgiven” is used. That is why it is used in different ways. God later instructed Abraham to circumcise not only every adult male but also 8-day old male infants as a sign of the covenant (Gen. 17:9-13). 3:21, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”, Rom. Everyone needs salvation . However, one hears about the thief on the Cross, as if this event prior to the command of baptism in Matthew … The source or power to forgive is not in the water, or in faith, repentance, or confession. In 1 Cor. 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